Travel Designers If you have just booked your first golf holiday abroad then you may wish to keep reading for our golfing Holidays Tips. You need to make sure you don’t forget anything that might stop you from enjoying your golf or costing you a fortune. Take a look at some of our handy golf tips of what to remember to take and what to remember to organise before you depart for your golf holiday.
Also have a read of our what to pack on a golf holiday and checkout some of the top 100 golf courses in the world.
Golf Handicap
Most golf clubs overseas will require each golfer to have a valid handicap certificate but this is not always the case, but it is worth checking out before arriving or booking the golf courses. If you are a member of a golf club in the UK you will need to ask your Golf professional or golf secretary for a copy of your handicap certificate to take with you when going on a golf holiday. Some golf courses may also apply a maximum handicap so you will need to advise the correct handicaps for all your party.
Golf Shoes for Overseas Golf Courses
Foot wear needs to be considered when golfing overseas as most golf clubs only allow soft spike shoes. Most clubs sell them out there at quite competitive prices and can often have a better range to choose from than at home, depending on the time of year. Remember to check this before departing on your golf holiday as you may not be allowed to play with the wrong golf shoes.
Golf Club Carriage by Airlines
Carriage of golf clubs will need to be advised at the time of booking as most charter and low cost airlines apply a charge for transportation of these items. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a golf transportation bag that will protect your golf clubs and golf bag. Most golf shops sell these but you may also borrow one from a fellow golfer at your golf club.
Golf Tee Times Abroad
Golf tee times can be requested for which ever time you prefer, however in the high season it is not always possible to confirm your initial requests and alternatives will be offered to you. No refunds are issued for golf tee times if cancelled on the same day. If you are only a 2 or 3 ball then be prepared to be matched up with other golfers as most course operate a 4 ball playing shedule. Always make sure you arrive at the golf course at least 30 minutes before the first tee time.
Golf Weather Overseas
Sunshine makes the round of golf feel much better than a rainy day but it’s always good to make sure you have suntan screen with you as well as a good hat and sunglasses. If playing later in the year insect repellant is highly recomended as is wet weather gear or at the very least an umbrella.
Driving Instructions to golf Courses
Always make sure you have clear instructions of how to get to the golf club where your tee time is booked and leave yourself at least 1 hour before tee time to get your self organised. When golfing overseas tee times are very strict and will be given away if you are not there on time. Golf course (in particular in Spain) are not always that well sign posted so a sat nav will also help and save time and frustration.
Slow Play on Overseas Golf Courses
Slow play is not accepted on most courses overseas in particular Turkey, Portugal and Spain and the golf marshall will give warnings if he feels that your play is slow. If slow play persists they can ask you to leave the course so remember don’t hang around! Keep up with the group in front of you.
Golf GPS
If you play with a golf GPS at home then don’t forget to load up the overseas courses before you go and to take the charger with a relevant adapter to allow you to charge in resort.
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